Food sharing point in Żywiec
Food Sharing Point in Żywiec – a shared space for food sharing
The Food Sharing Point in Żywiec, located at Nowa Twoje Centrum Shopping Centre, is an open and free initiative where anyone can leave or take food – without formalities, fees, or judgement. The project was created to prevent food waste and to support the local community of Żywiec and the surrounding area.
The food sharing point is located at the junction of Żeromskiego and Świętokrzyska streets and was established thanks to the cooperation of Renoplast Foundation, Media Expert, and Drukarnia Żywiec. The official launch took place on 8 October 2024.
This is a place open to everyone – both to those who want to share surplus food and to those who need it at a given moment.
How does the Food Sharing Point at NOWA Centre work?
The Food Sharing Point in Żywiec is equipped with refrigerators and shelves where food can be safely left. The space is available during the opening hours of Nowa Twoje Centrum.
You can:
- leave food you will not use,
- take food if you need it – no explanations required.
The initiative is based on trust, responsibility, and mutual respect. No certificates or proof of financial situation are required. Both donors and users remain anonymous.
What food can you leave at the Food Sharing Point?
At the Food Sharing Point in Żywiec, you may leave, among others:
- packaged food with a long shelf life,
- fresh fruit and vegetables in good condition,
- homemade meals or baked goods in sealed containers, clearly labelled with the preparation date,
- surplus food after large shopping trips or before travelling.
The key rule is simple: only leave food that you would eat yourself.
Why is the Food Sharing Point in Żywiec important?
According to World Bank data, 25% to 33% of food is wasted globally each year, while an average Pole wastes up to 247 kg of food annually. Food waste has serious social and environmental consequences.
The Food Sharing Point in Żywiec:
- helps reduce food waste,
- limits the amount of waste produced,
- supports the local community,
- builds social responsibility and solidarity.
All food goes directly to local residents, without intermediaries or unnecessary procedures.
Food Sharing Point and Book Sharing Point – sharing more than food
In the same location, there is also a Book Sharing Point in Żywiec – an open bookshelf where anyone can take or leave books. If you have books in good condition, you are welcome to share them and exchange them for others.
The idea is simple:
“Take if you need it – give if you can.”
Both initiatives are free, open, and anonymous.
Rules of the Food Sharing Point in Żywiec
To ensure that the Food Sharing Point at NOWA Centre is safe and comfortable for everyone, a set of simple rules applies, defining which products can and cannot be left.
You may leave:
- food that is safe for consumption,
- products past the “best before” date but not past the “use by” date,
- homemade meals in sealed containers with a description and preparation date,
- dry food products that are carefully packaged,
- food requiring refrigeration – delivered under proper cooling conditions.
Please do not leave:
- raw meat,
- products containing raw eggs (e.g. homemade mayonnaise or creams),
- products made from unpasteurised milk,
- opened cans or jars,
- spoiled food, food with an unusual smell, mould, or visible signs of deterioration,
- food that has remained outside refrigeration for too long.
Using the food sharing point is at your own responsibility. Respecting the rules helps keep this place safe and accessible for everyone.
Visit the Food Sharing Point in Żywiec
We invite you to visit the Food Sharing Point at Nowa Twoje Centrum during your shopping, a visit to the car park, or everyday errands.
Together, we can reduce food waste, support others, and make a real difference – through simple, everyday actions.
Eat. Share. Do not waste food.